Events

Explore local Indigenous history and contemporary artistic practices through the new exhibit, Chemacheg Menuhki: Paddle Strong. Co-curated with Brittney PeauweWunnepogWalley (Nipmuc), the exhibit will include a fiber basket created by Walley that features iconography exploring the story of the 58 Nipmuc individuals housed on the property of John Hoar in Concord in 1675- 1676. 

Opening Reception May 9

Celebrate the kickoff of OARS' new initiatives with our first-ever paddle race on the Concord River! There will be a 3-mile short course, a 6-mile long course, and a kid's race. Prizes will be available!

Annual Open Studios and Ceramics Studio Sale at the newly renovated Umbrella Arts Center in the heart of historic Concord Center. Saturday, May 3 – 12:00pm – 5:00pm Sunday, May 4 – 12:00pm – 5:00pm For 2025, we’re delighted to welcome you to our studios and galleries! The Umbrella Arts Center is home to more than 60 working artists skilled in a variety of fine and applied arts including ceramics, glass, fiber arts, jewelry making, illustration, mixed-media, painting, photography, printmaking, illustration, sculpture, woodworking, writing and more.

Winner of multiple Tony Awards, Urinetown the Musical is an irreverent satire whose sharp wit and nonstop humor present us with the endlessly comic side of unchecked capitalism, corporate mismanagement, and social irresponsibility - all leading to a different type of Revolution.

Performances: May 2, 3, 9,10,16 & 17 at 8:00 pm and May 4 & 11 at 2:00 pm.

Southern Rail will deliver their high-energy performance, riveting harmonies, irrepressible humor, and sparkling banjo, mandolin, and guitar solo work, promising an unforgettable night of bluegrass music. The band features CCM faculty member Rich Stillman on banjo and harmony vocals, Jim Muller on guitar and lead vocals, Sharon Horovitch on acoustic bass and harmony vocals, and John Tibert on mandolin and harmony vocals. Together, they create rich vocal textures and deliver beautiful, creative bluegrass arrangements that have captivated audiences for years. Earlier, at 11:00 AM, we're hosting a unique "Bluegrass Band Scramble" with local musicians.

Based on the beloved film that took home the Audience Award at The Sundance Film Festival, The Umbrella Stage Company’s The Spitfire Grill follows the journey of Percy Talbott, a spirited young woman who perseveres through personal hardship, violence and incarceration to seek redemption in rural Wisconsin. But in the small town of Gilead, she finds so much more – a second chance in a new community that she in turn transforms forever.

Apr 25 – May 18, 2025

Join OARS for our 17th Annual Wild & Scenic Film Festival! For 16 years, we have hosted this incredible event with friends from our watershed, aiming to unite the community around local environmental issues, inspire advocacy, and provide opportunities for local involvement from people like YOU. This year’s award-winning films are brought to you from the nation’s largest environmental film festival.

A Concord250 Event!

On Sunday, April 20, 2025, 1,000 military personnel, first responders, and civilians from across the country will gather before dawn to honor their fallen comrades as part of the 2025 Tough Ruck held in partnership with the Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.) and the Boston Marathon. Visit toughruck.org for more information or to sign up.

CONCORD250 presents: "SCENES FROM THE REVOLUTION" - a MUSICAL for all ages - tells the story of the American Revolution through a series of musical numbers and historical scenes from the Boston Tea Party to the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Featuring student performers from Bolton, Carlisle, Concord, and Newton! The songs are heartwarming and entertaining. The dialogue is historically relevant and compelling. FREE! Please join us! Two performances at 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM (running time 50 minutes)

In honor of Concord 250, Thoreau Farm has special open house hours this April. Beginning with the afternoon of April 19, and continuing through April 27, drop-in to Thoreau Farm for activities for all ages.